Yerevan to Noravank
A rose-red canyon cradling one of Armenia's most beautiful medieval monasteries.
~1.5 hr · ~120 km from Yerevan
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Noravank sits at the end of a narrow gorge in Vayots Dzor, its 13th-century churches built from the same deep-red tuff as the surrounding canyon walls. The approach road — winding between towering crimson cliffs — is as dramatic as the monastery itself. At 120 km from Yerevan, this is a very manageable day trip, and the route passes through the wine village of Areni, making it easy to combine with the Areni Wine Road. A standard sedan handles the paved canyon road without trouble.
Trip highlights
- Surb Karapet and Surb Astvatsatsin churches carved into red-tuff cliffs
- The spectacular gorge approach road between vertical canyon walls
- Combine with Areni village wine tasting on the same route
- Excellent photography light in early morning and late afternoon
Driving tips
Pair with Areni on the same day
Areni village is just a few kilometres before the Noravank turnoff. Stop for wine tasting and a visit to the Areni-1 cave complex, then continue into the canyon for Noravank.
Yerevan to Noravank FAQs
Take the M2 highway south to Areni, then follow signs into the Amaghu Canyon — about 120 km and 1.5 hours. The road is paved all the way to the monastery; any car handles it comfortably.
Renting a car for the trip
Compare deals for your dates in the search below. For mountain or longer hauls, consider an SUV or a 4×4, and if you're not returning to your pickup city, check out a one-way rental.